USF Lecture Examines Catholic Heritage Of North Dakota Town

The University of Saint Francis Department of Philosophy and Theology is offering a free lecture about the religious and cultural history of Strasburg, North Dakota on Wednesday, February 15 at 7 p.m. “Polkas and Masses: Catholicism and the German-Russian Immigrant Experience in Strasburg, North Dakota” will be presented by Dr. Lance Richey, dean of the USF School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, in the Brookside Ballroom on the USF campus, 2701 Spring Street.

Perhaps best known as the hometown of television legend Lawrence Welk, Strasburg, North Dakota possesses a rich religious and ethnic history. Dr. Richey will explore the dynamic interchange of the German-Russian heritage of the people and their strong Catholic faith. Their history of “polkas and masses” is both unique and emblematic of the American immigrant experience.